Secrets unearthed at St Canice's Church

The original baptismal font in St Canice's Church, Dean Street, Kilkenny which, for generations, people thought had been removed, was found during recent renovations.

And a spectacular marble floor, hidden for many years was uncovered and restored during work on the parish church completed just before Christmas.

Parish priest, Fr Jim Murphy was delighted to find out that his father was baptised in the original Baptismal Font in 1905, and that Jim Kelly, the volunteer project manager's late father was baptized there in 1896, and his grandfather in 1861.

“Fr Kieran O'Shea and I are looking forward to celebrating the sacred mysteries here in this beautiful sacred place and to encourage our people to treasure the gift of our faith and hope in Christ,” Fr Jim said.

“I am heartened by the generosity of my friends who have already pledged their financial support.

“We are introducing a fundraising scheme and are counting on the goodwill of all our Parishioners. It will be a call of €10 per month,” he added.

“The Architect, Brian Dunlop, has created a central feature of the illuminated Cross in the Sanctuary. The light comes from the Cross.

“Our hope and consolation is the Resurrection of Christ Jesus and I hope that people may people find peace here, to pray and to appreciate the treasure hidden in the field, Matthew 13:44.”

Energy efficient led lighting will allow the sanctuary area to have background lighting at all times creating a welcoming space.

A new state of the art sound system has been installed along with other improvements.

The Ambo where the gospel is said and the Presider’s chair are new pieces made out of solid walnut with burr walnut detailing and they look really well.

The original side doors of the church have been restored and some of the removed Confessional boxes has been reinstalled in the room above the Sacristy. The original central Cross from the 1973 renovations has been repositioned to the rear of the church.

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